41 [Bonus chapter] The Ball

Silja was standing in the garden unsure of what to do. She was feeling anxious for some reason. It wasn't that she had never been to this kind of party before but this was new to her, she was alone and with people she didn't know. All she wanted was that no one bothers her and she can come back as soon as possible.

Silja was waiting on the side for Mira who had left to find a shawl when she noticed Gwen going in the direction of the party hall. She was wearing a beautiful pink ball gown. She was walking ahead while two maids were helping her with her dress from behind.

She was really taking it seriously.

"Excuse me, my lady?" Silja heard a soft voice and she turned around to find an elegant lady standing behind her.

"Yes," Silja asked, turning around. The woman was wearing a beautiful blue dress with lace sleeves and a heart-shaped neckline. She has a small ruby necklace to make her neck look more elegant. Her hair was left open from the back while the front was held in place with some golden flowers.

"You're also going to the ball I guess, would you mind if I tag along?" She asked.

Silja looked at the woman and blinked, she was really beautiful.

"Sure, that will be great," Silja replied. She was actually feeling nervous about going alone, going with this lady might help her ease her anxiety.

"Thank you, my name is Jade Gracia," the woman introduced herself.

"Princess of Astraxia?" Silja asked. Even though she didn't get much time to know before she started her journey. Silja had tried to get as much knowledge about the north and nobles living here. Astraxia was one of the main vassal countries of the north and was also very important to the north in terms of politics.

Lord Gracia who ruled the country had two children, a daughter, and a son.

"You must be the princess of Atlanea," Jade guessed.

"That's right, I'm Silja," Silja smiled at the woman.

"Ohh how are you now? I have heard that you were also injured in the Dragon attack," Jade asked with concern.

"I'm fine now, wounds are healing fine," Silja replied.

"My lady," before they could exchange more words Mira returned with a small Shawl in her hand.

She helped Silja out to cover the exposed shoulders and back. Jade, who was standing there, watched the human girl.

Like many other people, she was also surprised that Atlanea had sent their princess to take part in the bridal ceremony.

All these years of wars west (Atlanea) have been always neutral, not taking any side while maintaining necessary relationships with all. But now taking these steps it was clear that they had chosen to side with dragons.

Now that princess was here no matter if she will marry the Prince or not Atlanea will never be able to stay onside.

Jade was looking at the girl who has a very beautiful and innocent face. She could tell from one glance that anyone who set their eyes on her would be charmed.

She wasn't looking glamorous but she has simplicity in her that can attract anyone.

"Let's go," Silja said as she was ready.

Jade smiled and both the women started to walk in the direction of the ball.

The ball was organized in the biggest hall which was situated on the east side of the castle.

Apart from the West wing where Silja was staying she hadn't seen this part and on the way, her eyes were glued to the walls and paintings hanging on them.

As they walked near the party hall they could hear soft music being played.

The decoration around the corner was amazing and small decorative oil lamps were burning everywhere making the place more bright and beautiful.

Silja and jade stood at the door looking inside the bustling hall.

Ladies and men were moving around in their beautiful clothes.

While maids and servants were continually serving the drink.

It was an overwhelming scene with all the voices of chatter, laughter, and music.

"It will be alright," Jade said looking at Silja. Silja looked at the woman who was standing beside her with a smile then thought about herself who was being so nervous.

Jade could tell from one look that the girl was nervous.

Silja took a long breath and then they walked in. As both women walked in people started to look in their direction.

They had taken barely ten steps inside the room and Silja saw a man approaching.

"Princess Jade, it's nice to see you here," The man greeted Jade with a wide smile on his lips.

"Sire William, what a pleasant surprise," Jade looked at the man and exclaimed.

"It has been three months since I saw you and look at you, you have turned more pretty," the man named William said, kissing the back of Jade's hand.

"You are flattering me, sire William," Jade said with a dry laugh.

"How have you been all these while…" Jade and the man kept their exchange going on as they walked in.

Silja was walking a step behind Jade as her eyes were busy looking around. Compared to Jade she was wearing a very simple gown and she was hardly noticeable.

But not by all.

There was a pair of red eyes which were pinned on her from the moment she entered the hall.

As they walked in more and more people started to walk to talk with Jade and Silja decided to choose a corner so she wouldn't have to mingle with people.

Jade, who was talking to people, noticed the girl slipping away. She looked in Silja's direction but didn't say anything.

Silja chose one chair in the corner and sat down. She didn't know anyone here and she didn't have any plan on knowing anyone at all.

But it seems like everyone wasn't that neglected about her presence.

"Hello beautiful lady," a man in his early twenties approached her.

Silja looked up. He was one of the men who was talking to Jade, about his name, she didn't pay much attention.

"Ohh, pardon me for not introducing myself. My name is Joshua Rochellot, duke of Icecrain," the man introduced himself, seeing that Silja was looking at him without giving a response. Icecrain was one of the regions of the North.

The man smiled brightly at her.

"Hello, I'm Silja Castemont," Silja replied.

"Castemont? From the Royal family of Atlanea?" He raised his eyebrows.

"Yes," Silja smiled. He nodded his head.

"You don't mind me sitting here do you?" He asked, looking at the empty chair beside Silja.

"Not at all," Silja replied and the man took his seat.

While Silja was sitting in one corner unbothered and talking to strangers, someone else was having a hard time.

Donovan was standing with his brothers but from the moment he entered the party he didn't get peace of a second.

Donovan who's eyes were roaming around in the hall fell on the girl sitting in the quiet corner talking. His eyes scanned her from head to toe, without missing any details.

Dressed in a simple light blue dress with lacy sleeves and a heart-shaped neckline. She looked perfect.

A small smile spread on his lips as he looked at her. But then his eyes turned towards the side and noticed the man she was sitting with.

Don narrowed his eyes subtly.

The girl was a magnet to trouble for sure he thought to himself.